WHARTON Cons risk being on the receiving end of an upset in their Brunner Cup semi-final if they let minds wander against Crosstown on Saturday.

However captain Dave Hamlett senior told the Guardian his players’ approach to a meeting with Metro Sports last time out proved they can stay focused.

“I won’t let them slack off!” he added.

“Metro weren’t the pushover some people predicted they would be, and we faltered a bit in the middle after a strong start.

“It needed us to slip up to let them back into it, and instead we came on strong at the end.”

The three-time champions want to remain on a course for a fourth success when they take on their Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association Premier Division rivals at the Limes Hotel, from 2.30pm.

They cruised to a victory in a league meeting between the teams back in May.

However that was at the Tin Mission.

Hamlett senior said: “They’ll be stronger this time and have got a couple of lads to come in that will improve their side.

“It’s probably more than 10 years since any of us even saw the green at Limes, and so that will be a factor as well.

“I’ve heard it’s been made smaller, and that won’t necessarily help us.

“I think it’s 50-50 who goes through, although of course it would be a big disappointment for us if we don’t make it.

“The Brunner Cup is our number one objective this season, and we’d love to play in a final again.”

Nicola Boulton is again unavailable, which makes her ineligible for the final should Wharton progress.

Fixtures

Cheshire County Bowling Association

Brunner Cup

Semi-finals

Saturday, July 21 (from 2.30pm)

Tixall v West Kirby Victoria (at Broughton & Betton)

Wharton Cons v Crosstown (at Limes Hotel)